Obituary of Leslie Lynbert Sylvester

On Friday, June 19, 2020, Leslie Lynbert Sylvester, loving husband and father passed away at the age of 82. Leslie was born on June 26, 1937 in the parish of Saint Andrew,Jamaica, West Indies to Lincoln Sylvester and Idabel Sylvester (McDermott). Leslie was preceded in death by his first wife, Rachel and they had four children from this union; Carl, Fitzroy, Christopher and Elaine. In April 2002, he married Jenneta and they spent the last 18 years in love and happiness. Leslie had a passion for building things and he spent several years developing his masonry skills at his uncle’s construction company in Jamaica. In 1968, he moved to Boston and gained membership into the Massachusetts Laborers Union Local 22. His work within the construction field gave him a chance to showcase his skills and it also placed him a position where he could provide for his family. Leslie always believed in “paying it forward” and once he established himself as a member of the union, he accompanied others to the union hall so that they could gain membership as well. He took great pride in being able to contribute to the development of our city and he continued to work at numerous work sites until his retirement in 1989. Leslie’s interest in working with others extends far beyond the construction industry and in the early 1970’s he became a member of the Independent United Order of Mechanics. He was one of the founding members of Mount Horeb Lodge # 10 in Dorchester and he played an instrumental role in turning a once abandoned building into a temple where the members could strengthen their fraternal bond and serve the community. Leslie’s devotion to Mt. Horeb Lodge ran deep and you could find him there during the week and on weekends. His reverence for the temple grew stronger over time and when he was driving through Dorchester, he would change his route so that he could pass by the building. Leslie’s generous spirit knew no bounds and he always stepped up to the plate to help those who were in need of assistance. He had a big personality and everyone who crossed the threshold into his home felt welcomed. Leslie was always on the go and when he was not out and about visiting friends, you would find him tending to his garden. He grew everything from callaloo to cucumbers and he gave away countless tomatoes to his neighbors. Leslie believed that travel was good for the soul and he made it a point to travel back to Jamaica whenever he could, but he never arrived empty-handed. He would send barrels with food and clothing with other essentials and would distribute them to members of the parish. He understood the importance of breaking bread with the residents of Mavis Bank and during every visit he would prepare a feast for the entire community. Leslie’s journeys have taken him far and wide and whether he was visiting the UK, flying on a Seabird aircraft to Montserrat or attending a wedding in Switzerland, he made friends everywhere he went. Leslie was a fixture within Boston’s Jamaican community and his kindness and his unwavering devotion to his fraternal order allowed him to make a positive impact in the lives of many. He will be missed, but not forgotten and he is survived by his wife Jenneta, his sons, Carl, Fitzroy, Christopher and his daughter, Elaine. Leslie leaves behind his siblings, Ira, Fitzroy, Monica, Rosabel, Relva and Eupha. Leslie is also survived by his grandchildren, David, Kevin, Jaden, Sebastian, Jeniah, Nathanni, Abrianna, Kacey, his three great grandchildren Olivia, Matthew and Emmett as well as his stepchildren, Kevin, Clive, Kerry and numerous nieces and nephews: Dean, Shawn, Tennille, Tennisha, Jenay, Latoya, Steven, Monaie, Omar, Junior, Luke, Denise and Madge. Leslie shared a special bond with his brothers-in-law, Raymond, Desmond and Anthony. We will all miss him dearly. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.